Question

explain the deeper, hidden meaning behind this quote: “i always knew that my father, your grandfather, knew what was best for me and that i was always happiest when i just accepted that. Do you think that i would have made such a success, of my life of i hadn’t learned when to argue and when to keep my mouth shut and follow order?”

Answer 1

The deeper, hidden meaning might be that the speaker low key regrets having accepted their father's decisions all the time. It seems like the father would win every argument and the speaker couldn't win, so they "just accepted" things, because they knew arguing was futile. They do belive that their father knew best, but also feel forced to accept circumstances. The speaker is likely now talking to their own child, teaching them how to follow orders, and stay in line.

Answer 2

The person is saying that they listened to their father and became successful because they knew when to shut up and when it was okay to argue back.